Auburn Basketball is set to compete against Chattanooga in the annual Holiday Hoopsgiving event. This exciting matchup will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. CT at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Hawks.
Auburn’s Strengths and Challenges
Auburn, currently ranked 21st, boasts a record of 7-3. The Tigers rely on the contributions of Tahaad Pettiford, who leads the team with 11 blocked shots. His agility and determination make him a formidable player despite being just 6-foot-1.
Pettiford is also a scoring threat. He is averaging 15.7 points per game, highlighted by a career-high of 30 points against No. 2 Arizona. Recently, he has shot 46.1 percent from three-point range over the past four games, showcasing his offensive skills.
The Chattanooga Challenge
Chattanooga enters the game with a 5-5 record, leaning on their exceptional three-point shooting. They made 21 of 49 attempts in their latest match and have a history of launching multiple three-pointers per game. Coach Steven Pearl noted that six Chattanooga players frequently contribute to their three-point scoring.
- Chattanooga’s three-point shooting percentage stands at 35%.
- They have multiple players averaging two or three three-pointers per game.
Preparing for the SEC Season
This game marks Auburn’s sixth consecutive participation in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event, where they hold a 4-1 record. With only three games left before Southeastern Conference play begins, the Tigers are eager to solidify their performance against the Mocs.
Coach Pearl emphasized the importance of effort and health as they prepare for upcoming challenges. “We need to play with unbelievable effort and energy these next three games,” he stated. With Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey calling the action for the Auburn Sports Network, fans can tune in to catch the game live on SEC Network.
The matchup against Chattanooga offers a great opportunity for Auburn to showcase their growth and continue to build momentum as they head into the rigorous SEC schedule.
